Bridgewater teen makes her mark at music meet

Fifteen-year-old Katie Johnson of Bridgewater delivered a winning performance at the South Shore Conservatory’s 25th annual Concerto Competition with her beautiful flute playing.“I’ve been playing the flute for six years, and the piano for even longer.” Johnson said.Johnson won...

Fifteen-year-old Katie Johnson of Bridgewater delivered a winning performance at the South Shore Conservatory’s 25th annual Concerto Competition with her beautiful flute playing.

“I’ve been playing the flute for six years, and the piano for even longer.” Johnson said.

Johnson won third place in the woodwind and brass division for her age bracket, which includes students up to the age of 18. The competition also included divisions for piano and vocals.

Earlier this year, Johnson won first prize for flute at another South Shore Conservatory competition.

Johnson also participated in the Southeastern Massachusetts Music Educators Association Junior District Festival on March 9 and 10 at Taunton High School. Johnson was assigned the first flute position, an outstanding honor for anyone, but especially someone so young.

“She's been busy lately,” said Erik Johnson of his daughter, whose talent puts her right up there with the best musicians in the area.

Johnson, however, is modest about her talents.

“I just really like it,” said Johnson, who spends much of her free time reading.

Johnson has been taking lessons from Donald Zook since she started playing. Zook, an accomplished flutist himself, is a well-known and sought-after teacher. He is currently a professor of flute at Bridgewater State University and has taught at Eastern Nazarene College and Stonehill College as well as the South Shore Conservatory, which has locations in Hingham and Duxbury.

Johnson has learned from the best and continues to prove herself time and time again.

This accomplished young artist will continue to shine not only in her lessons but on stage, as she plans to continue playing and competing in the years to come.